Bauman calls for lawyers to shake it up

Late last week, British Columbia Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert Bauman was awarded the 2013 Bench Award by the Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia. He took the opportunity to make some pointed comments about laywers having to “pull together” during this time of significant challenges both and in the profession and the justice system — not only in terms of access to justice but in failing confidence of the public in their legal representatives.

He offered a call to arms: “Now is a time for all of us to pull together; to remind our neighbours and our greater neighbourhoods that we are lawyers, members of a proud and caring profession. We are a critical profession in our respective communities.

He went on to say: “The willingness of government and the public to abandon lawyers and the courts as the dispute resolvers of choice is startling and disturbing.

“As a profession if we are not accessible and accountable and importantly, seen to be, we risk the possibility of losing all relevance.”

He also said: “Now is the time, I suggest, for all of us to wake up, speak up, and shake up.
  • Wake up to the realities of these challenges;
  • Speak up about our value and our critical relevance in the lives of ordinary Canadians; and
  • Shake up our attitudes towards lawyering.”
Bauman’s full remarks have been posted to the court’s web site here.

Recent articles & video

Parks Canada partnering with Indigenous groups to implement Indigenous systems of law, governance

Canada's Finest Legal Professionals: Celebrate Excellence at the Canadian Law Awards!

Are you keeping up with the dizzying pace of innovation?

Amanda Fowler on how she balances her sports law practice and legal role at Aviva Canada

Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers 2024 - nominations now open

Collaborative project delivery models, legislative reforms, among trends in Quebec construction

Most Read Articles

Canada Revenue Agency announces penalty relief for bare trusts filing late returns

Ontario Court of Appeal upholds spousal support order in 'unusual' divorce case

Ontario Superior Court awards partner share in the estate despite the absence of marriage

Developing an AI oversight system is vital for organizations: Tara Raissi at Beneva